Synthesis of type 1 (IFN gamma) and type 2 (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10) cytokines by human eosinophils

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1996 Oct 31:796:203-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1996.tb32582.x.

Abstract

Eosinophils are not only the source of cytotoxic and proinflammatory mediators but they can also generate cytokines and growth factors, including their own factors of differentiation, namely IL-3, GM-CSF, and IL-5. Synthesis of IL-5 by eosinophils was demonstrated by in situ hybridization and immunostaining in a variety of diseases, such as coeliac disease, asthma, hypereosinophilic syndrome, or skin diseases. However, IL-5 synthesis by eosinophils was not shown in Crohn's disease, whereas in other diseases, it was restricted to a subpopulation of eosinophils, suggesting some heterogeneity in cytokine-producing eosinophils. Here, we report that human eosinophils, in addition to the synthesis of IL-5, and Th2 cytokine, can synthesize IFN gamma, a Th1 cytokine, as well as IL-10 and IL-4, known to be mainly produced by Th2 cells. Double immunostaining procedures reveal the coexpression of IL-5, IL-4, and IL-10 by the same eosinophil populations, different from IFN gamma-producing eosinophils. We propose that distinct subpopulations of human eosinophils express Th2 or Th1 cytokines. These results point to the importance of cytokines derived from non T cells in the regulation of the immune response.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Eosinophils / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis*
  • Interleukin-10 / biosynthesis*
  • Interleukin-4 / biosynthesis*
  • Interleukin-5 / biosynthesis*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Th1 Cells / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Interleukin-5
  • Interleukin-10
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interferon-gamma